Exploring Our Ocean Origin

Photos by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla proclaimed his love for the ocean at a Scripps Institution Oceanography welcome reception, which was part of the Making Connections plan to introduce the new leader to the campus and community. There was just one caveat: as a non-swimmer, Khosla said, “I love looking at the water, just not being in it.”  His comment drew laughter from the 200 Scripps faculty, staff and students who gathered at the Robert Paine Scripps Forum for Science, Society and the Environment to meet the new campus leader on Aug. 7.

During the “We Explore” themed reception, hosted by Vice Chancellor of Marine Sciences Tony Haymet, Scripps’ scientists displayed their research projects and apparatus showing Khosla the wide range of ocean discovery efforts.  Coastal Observing R&D Center Operations Manager Lisa Hazard explained the many uses of the autonomous underwater vehicle, from seafloor mapping for habitat and environmental monitoring, to coastal discharge surveys for plume detection.

"It was such a pleasure and honor to speak with our new Chancellor and see his appreciation for oceanographic research,” Hazard said.  “He is dedicated to engaging all facets of the university and continuing our legacy of innovation and research achievements."

Khosla told the crowd that he recognizes the importance of Scripps Oceanography – both as the ocean origin of UC San Diego and as a main intellectual driver.  Scripps is an integral part of the campus, Khosla said, and noted that, although UC San Diego has many areas and many strengths, we’re all part of one campus.  UC San Diego plays a leading role in tackling pressing global challenges because of our expertise across a wide range of disciplines.